OpenAI CEO: ChatGPT to Explore Erotica This Year

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has signaled a significant policy change, announcing that adult ChatGPT users will soon have access to a less censored version of the AI chatbot, potentially including erotic materials. The move represents a calculated risk as OpenAI navigates the delicate balance between user engagement and responsible AI development.

“In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our ‘treat adult users like adults’ principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults,” Altman stated in a recent social media post.

While the specific parameters of permitted erotica remain undefined, this shift marks a potential departure from OpenAI’s previous stance, which generally prohibited such content. This decision likely stems from a combination of factors, including competition from more permissive AI models and a desire to cater to a wider range of user preferences.

Altman explained that earlier versions of ChatGPT were intentionally “pretty restrictive” to safeguard users from potential mental health risks. However, this approach also diminished the chatbot’s utility and appeal for users without such concerns.

“Now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools, we are going to be able to safely relax the restrictions in most cases,” he said.

These “new tools” appear to refer to the safety features and parental controls implemented last month. The company has invested heavily in advanced content moderation and user verification systems, aiming to create a safer environment for younger users while offering greater freedom to adults.

The relaxation of content restrictions for adults comes as OpenAI bolsters protections for minors. This strategic move allows OpenAI to simultaneously address regulatory concerns and capitalize on untapped market segments.

OpenAI alluded to this potential shift earlier this year, clarifying that only sexual content involving minors was strictly prohibited – a move to “maximize freedom” for users. However, generating erotica was still a “sensitive” area to be executed only in certain restricted situations.

In addition to the changes expected in December, Altman also announced that a new version of ChatGPT will be released in the coming weeks. This iteration will allow the chatbot to adopt more distinct personalities, expanding on the capabilities introduced in the most recent GPT-4o version. This development aligns with the industry trend of creating more personalized and engaging AI experiences.

“If you want your ChatGPT to respond in a very human-like way, or use a ton of emoji, or act like a friend, ChatGPT should do it,” he said. “But only if you want it.”

Altman’s recent statements suggesting that ChatGPT would avoid sexualized chat features further complicate the situation.

During an interview earlier this year, Altman was asked about decisions made in OpenAI’s best interest that may have impacted its success in the AI race.

He responded jocularly by saying, “Well, we haven’t put a sex bot avatar in ChatGPT yet,”. This seemingly subtle jab at xAI pointed to the increasing demand and focus on safe AI systems.

The policy shift comes at a precarious time for OpenAI, as the company faces scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. The Federal Trade Commission recently launched an inquiry into several tech businesses, OpenAI being one of them, regarding latent risks to both teenagers and children.

This announcement occurred after a legal dispute from a California couple alleging that the service contributed to their 16-year-old son’s suicide.

OpenAI also stated that an eight-member expert council on AI and well-being was created to advise the company on how the technology impacts an individual’s motivation, feelings, and attitudes.

According to the business, the council will conduct check-in and regular meetings to advise OpenAI on what healthy artificial interactions look like.